"I am a firm believer in the power of love and acceptance."

WELCOME !

Wow, it's April already! Can you believe how quickly the weeks are passing by? Seems everyone has had their fair share of weird weather this Spring. I'm so looking forward to Summer! Thanks for being here and sharing some of the words I'm sending out. I think you'll find some great tidbits for your life, so let's jump right in!

EXERCISE YOUR MIND

Honestly ask yourself "Am I happy with my life right now?"
(If you are unable to immediately say yes, then there are probably some things you could improve in your life.)

Now you have two choices. Do something about it, or just go on with life the way you have been. If you choose to start doing something about it, then read on . . .

Find a few minutes of quiet time alone and write down the things you are not happy with. Don't think about it, just brainstorm. Write down everything that comes to mind and don't try to figure out why just yet. Trust yourself to know and don't question anything that comes to mind at this point. Just write! Keep writing until your mind has emptied, however long that may take.

After you have finished your list, take notice of how you feel. Do you feel a sense of relief? Did it stress you out? Write down how you feel once the list is done.

We all have things we can improve in our life. Some lists may be short and others very long. Just remember, everyone is different. There is no good or bad in how long or short your list is. It is just your list.

After you finish your list and writing how this exercise made you feel, take a break and do something just for yourself. Some type of little treat! (I'll talk about what to do with your list in an upcoming edition.)

NOTABLE QUOTE

"Man can see his reflection in water only when he bends down close to it; and the heart of man, too, must lean down to the heart of his fellow; then it will see itself within his heart." Hasidic Proverb

ON THE BUS (Musings On Mass Transit)

Here I am catching the bus at the last moment. If it hadn't stopped at the stop before mine, I would have been running to catch it. I decided to relax and have my second cup with a toasted english muffin.

The bus driver is talking to someone up front and laughing like crazy from time to time. The thought did cross my mind whether she is really paying attention to her driving.

There's a lady sitting crossways from me. The first thing I noticed was the muddy black platform shoes attached to feet that were dangling-not quite touching the floor. I used to think dirty shoes were kinda like bad manners, but I'm beginning to believe they're the norm here. I don't seem to be the only one who can't keep my shoes clean. I think "It's just the way it is."

A young guy stands up to put on his pack and the bus is slowing down. He falls back into the seat. Ok, what's the deal with these young guys thinking they can defy gravity? Are they practicing for this years surfing championships, or what?

The bus is pretty quiet this morning with the exception of the laughing bus driver. I can even hear the driver call out the stops over the loudspeaker and I'm right by the engine!

I think Portlanders are a special breed of people. Like the people who live in the desert or antarctic. Day after day, week after week, umbrellas, rain jackets, cloudy skies, wind, and rain.

I wonder if Portland has the highest per capita of pounds of coffee purchased/drank, newspaper circulation, or protest marchers. (?)

Are You Ready For More ? Let's Continue . . .

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